User 1 Review:

Like many people in their retirement years, Robert Redford's biggest pastime is writing letters to the editor. Unfortunately, his letters are two hour films. The Conspirator could have been a lot more than Redford ranting about injustice, but, unfortunately, it isn't. The story is told in a very heavy-handed sort of way, with no subtleties or grey areas. You never feel that this is an objective account of the trial of Mary Surratt. In addition, much of the movie is padding, making it fairly dull. Also, if you know your Civil War history, as I do, you know how the movie is going to end, meaning that there is no intrigue, and a sense of inevitability about it all.Decent performances though, especially from James McAvoy.

User 2 Review:

The Conspirator is one of the best true story/historical films I've seen. Nothing needed to have been added or taken from this accurate accounting of events for dramatic purposes. Without exaggeration, this is a legal story like no other; this is much more fascinating than fiction. I thought I knew this story, but I really didn't know the facts at all-just the headlines involving Booth. Those involved in this project did masterful jobs. Robert Redford crafts a revealing look at the rush to judgement. This tale of scapegoat justice is just as applicable in our time as in 1865. McAvoy and Wilkinson are spectacular, and Robin Wright displays a stoic sort of grace I haven't seen before. I can't imagine another actress capturing this woman's essence any better.

User 3 Review:

We all know how John Wilkes Booth killed Abraham Lincoln, but what's often not known is how he and several cohorts wanted to kill pretty much everyone close to Lincoln as well. This film tells the story of Mary Surratt, the woman who ran the boarding house John Wilkes Booth was staying in when he killed Lincoln, and the question of whether or not she should be charged as a conspirator because she owned this boarding house provides for some great courtroom drama. Plus, you can't go wrong with this cast: James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline, Colm Meaney, Evan Rachel Wood, etc. History buffs will definitely love this. 9/10.